For years now, the Christmas light-up along Orchard Road has been a sign that the year is coming to an end and that the festivities are near. ION Orchard's location as the start of Singapore's famed shopping belt means that it's also become a sort of landmark to the annual light-up—this year's sees French couture house Dior taking on the honour.
While it's typical for brands to opt for a somewhat traditional Christmas tree installation right outside of ION Orchard, we've seen over the years a penchant for more theatrical interpretations. Dior opts for a Dior Star once again this year (its takeover in 2022 was a Dior Star rendered in elegant dark hues of gold and black). This time around, the Dior Star stands 15 metres tall and reflects the Dior Cruise 2025 collection by creative director Maria Grazia Chiuri themed around Scotland's rich heritage.
The 2024 Dior Star installation takes reference from fairy tales as it's designed to resemble a giant pop-up book with the Dior Star exploding into the atmosphere surrounded by majestic animals the likes of a unicorn, lions, a deer, a monkey, and birds. It's definitely a non-traditional Christmas tree installation but the surrounding scenography of lush vegetation with accents of red florals do nod to the occasion.
As with takeovers go, Dior has more to offer inside the mall. Throughout the interior of ION Orchard, multi-sensory displays and Christmas decorations by Parfums Christian Dior can be found just about everywhere. They culminate in a duo of pop-ups at the Level 1 Atrium of the mall—a Dior Beauty Christmas pop-up and a Dior Café. The former is what one would expect fitting for the season with a number of gift sets conceptualised to make gifting easy (and luxurious) topped up with a number of personalisation options. The Dior Café is a collaboration with L'éclair Pâtisserie, featuring a specially curated high tea set consisting of familiar French sweets such as eclairs and macarons.
The entire Dior Holiday Season takeover officially launched yesterday evening. Attended by a number of local celebrities, the highlight was most definitely the appearance of Dior ambassador and South Korean actor Jung Hae-In. A constant figure at Dior and Dior Men shows, Jung was dressed in a sleek navy suit sans tie and finished with a Dior Charm brooch—all from the latest Dior Men Spring 2025 collection. He arrived to a cacophony of screams by fans waiting patiently behind barriers around the outside ION Orchard as well as outside the Dior boutique, as he first made his way to the Dior Star before making his way to the boutique. Somewhere in between, Jung was surrounded by a crowd but like the seasoned professional that he is, he stayed calm and obliged fans with waves and finger hearts as signs of acknowledgement.
And just like that, the festive season has officially commenced.
The Dior Star is located outside of ION Orchard until 1 January 2025, while the Dior Beauty Christmas pop-up and Dior Café are located at Level 1 Atrium until 2 January 2025.
It's been almost 75 years since the iconic grooves that are now featured in just about every RIMOWA creation was first realised. You'd recognise a RIMOWA design from afar—way before you notice the branded plaque or the monogram—just from the grooves alone.
Save for translating the grooves on a number of different materials throughout the years, including on he Never Still series' nylon as well as the brand's revolutionary polycarbonate designs, RIMOWA hadn't changed the look of the grooves until now.
In a limited-edition release, RIMOWA introduces the Original Cabin Optical. A departure from the clean and straightforward aesthetic that the brand is known for, the Original Cabin Optical disrupts the iconic grooves to create (as its name suggests) an optical illusion throughout the façade. At first glance, it's as if the grooves have been distorted and caused to disappear at parts; but in actuality, they're still present in their original placement. The shimmering effect visible at every single angle tricks the eyes into thinking that the grooves are jumbled up—thanks to alternating brushed and unbrushed finishes on the aluminium.
To mark the significance of this update, RIMOWA isn't restricting itself to just the exterior. The interior of the Original Cabin Optical too receives a new look with the Flex Dividers as well as the lining decorated with a jacquard pattern that mirrors the outside. Also included is a specially designed leather tag in black and featuring the same pattern as a shadowy contrast.
But just how limited is this release? Only 2002 pieces—a palindromic number that's a nod to the idea of perception—are available with each individually numbered and labelled as such. If anything, that tells you how special this release is. And couple with RIMOWA's Lifetime Guarantee, talk about a limited-edition piece for life.
The RIMOWA Original Cabin Optical will be available in stores and online from 7 November 2024.
These days, it's no longer enough to be produce an It bag. The 2000s and their stylings may be back and experiencing a (rather long) resurgence, but the trendy mindset of the times aren't being adopted as much. We're more cognisant of our purchases—buying designs and pieces as investments instead of fleeting of-the-moment wants.
The Hermès Birkin has unwittingly become the benchmark for this enlightened approach to luxury fashion and it's not difficult to see why. It-bag status has been replaced with a flagship investment bag so tied to a fashion house that it's bound to be a perennial hallmark unaffected by trends; the Birkin's continuously sought-after demand and distinct aesthetic has made in an icon of design as well as status.
That's not to say that a fashion house like Balenciaga hasn't had hits or isn't known for a particular style. In fact, the Balenciaga City bag by former creative director Nicolas Ghesquière was an indelible part of the noughties that the House brought it back into rotation since 2021 under a rebranded Le City tag. It also became a point of reference for the Le Cagole line, featuring the former's signature studs. But a Birkin-equivalent, Le City is not.
What makes a bag worthy of being exalted to Birkin status, you ask? For one, a design that's quite unlike any other with elements you'd immediately associate it with. Like the Birkin, an icon hopeful needs to have a versatile everyday appeal and practicality while exuding a sense of elegance—you should just as easily bring it to the office and still stuff it to the brim with groceries and all manner of randomness. Then, there's the potential for it to age and age well, meaning that it has to be made with stellar craftsmanship and material. And of course, there's the aspirational pricing that offers some sort of exclusivity to owning one.
The Balenciaga Bel Air could potentially be Balenciaga's answer to the Birkin.
A completely new design by creative director Demna for Balenciaga, the Bel Air made its first appearance only this year and had already appeared in a campaign fronted by brand ambassadors Isabelle Huppert and Michelle Yeoh, and Naomi Watts in August. In the latest Bel Air campaign, Balenciaga positions the bag as a gender-neutral option with the XL iteration worn by model Kit Butler and Juyeon of K-pop group THE BOYZ.
The Bel Air is in some ways a follow-up to the Balenciaga Rodeo but packed with a bit more functionality. Unlike the latter, the Bel Air is constructed with gussets at the sides that unbuttons to transform it into a roomier piece with extended sides. The front of the Bel Air (like the Rodeo) is interchangeable as well between a clean exterior and that of a more relaxed folded front that's instantly recognisable. Space-wise, the XL version (it's also available in small and medium) is massive with a wide inner zipped compartment and a fully unobstructed interior space.
There's no denying that the Bel Air is well made too. It's crafted from smooth calfskin that's also soft enough to give that supple drape at the front. Yet at the same time, it's a sturdy piece. And going at SGD10,900 for the XL size, it isn't something that's easily accessible to a lot of people.
It may be too soon to predict how the Bel Air will fare in the luxury market. But given all that it has going for it, this could potentially be Balenciaga's next big thing, and if done right, it's very own answer to the Birkin.
When Lewis Hamilton was announced as Dior’s brand ambassador in July this year, it probably came as a shock to no one. The multiple Formula 1 record holder—the man has the most career wins and world championship titles to date—isn’t just a blur on the racetrack, he’s quite the snazzy dresser off of it. Specifically, Hamilton had been spotted wearing Dior Men on multiple occasions while making the F1 Grand Prix circuit this season.
Brand ambassadorships are a well-established concept that works. But at the rate persons of note are being conferred the title, it’s nigh impossible to keep track of who’s affiliated to which brand. What is rare, however, is a brand ambassador whois more than just a physical embodiment of what a brand represents.
Hamilton seems to have a knack for taking his involvement with fashion brands a step further than the norm. With Tommy Hilfiger, Hamilton co-created four TommyXLewis capsule collections from 2018 to 2020, imbuing his own personal sense of style to that of the American brand. And now at Dior Men, he’s charging ahead with a capsule collection designed together with artistic director Kim Jones.
“Working with Kim and the talented team at Dior has been a dream, and I was honoured when Kim asked if I’d like to do this with him. Our values and ideas are aligned, making it easy to bring to life a creative collection infused with our shared experiences,” Hamilton expresses.
The new Dior Men Lifestyle Capsule collection is not F1 , or even racing-related, because that would be far too predictable and Hamilton is a multi-faceted individual. Instead, the collection revolves around skiing and snowboarding as a personal celebration of Hamilton’s love for an outdoor-centric winter lifestyle. He’s an adrenaline junkie and has a love for extreme sports aside from motorsports.
“We share a love of nature, a desire to celebrate Africa and an interest in the artisanal processes and techniques that unite craftspeople in Africa with the savoir-faire of the Dior ateliers. Added to that, this collection also reflects Lewis’ sporting side, his virtuosity and our functionality,” says Jones.
In many ways, the Lifestyle Capsule collection is a global effort. African-inspired motifs are incorporated within the collection (Jones grew up in African countries in his early years), adding vibrancy to technical functionalities. African weaves made in Burkina Faso, for example, have been crafted into casual suiting by the Dior ateliers, and custom snowboards by Switzerland-based Factory 9 feature Dior branding set against graphic African-inspired motifs. The collection’s technical skiwear by Japanese sportswear brand Descente too are made to withstand the harsh cold conditions on the slopes. The expertise rendered by these different “global ateliers” all ensure that not only do the pieces look exceptional and on par with Dior’s craftsmanship, but that they also function on the same level.
Hamilton has taken it a step further by pushing the boundaries of the Dior ateliers in ensuring that sustainability isn’t an afterthought to the creation of the collection. Having been on a plant-based diet since 2017, Hamilton insisted that no animal leather is to be used for any of the pieces in the Lifestyle Capsule collection. He’s pushed for more conscious choices in terms of materiality. The collection’s ready-to-wear such as slouchy denims, knitwear, and fleeces are made partly using organic or recycled textiles. A micro-fibre snow shoe, the Dior Snow derby, has been designed to serve as a casual pair of footwear while simultaneously being capable of performing on the slopes over a snowboard—a cleverly designed versatile pair.
These new touches serve to enhance the collection while retaining the essence of a Kim Jones Dior Men collection. The B44 Blade sneaker is a new addition to Jones’ expanding sneaker offerings for Dior Men. Conceptualised with a decidedly 2000s silhouette in mind, it’s undoubtedly sporty in its allure and rendered in tasteful gradations of colours. It’s too early to say if the design will become a mainstay for Dior Men but it definitely fits in with the existing Dior Men universe.
In an interview with WWD, Jones hints that there will be more to come. “This is almost like a taste, and then we get into bigger collections,” he said of the partnership with Hamilton. And to that, we’ll just have to wait and see what comes next, because this collection, in essence, is quite a game-changer for a house like Dior.
The fact that Tod's has been around for over a century is not lost on those who have ever slipped their feet into its shoes, myself included. Tod’s time-honed expertise and craftsmanship of its artisans are apparent in the make and feel—from the iconic classics to newer iterations developed from its archives.
The deep dives are constant, and why shouldn’t they be? The brand’s heritage is founded on craftsmanship and referencing it only serves to further emphasise the quality of its creations.
For example, the T Timeless series is characterised by the T symbol, an iconic detail that has become an instantly recognisable identifier of Tod’s. It makes its presence felt on a slew of bags, shoes and accessories, both as a mark of the brand as well as a reiteration of the item’s timeless appeal.
The series consists of true Tod’s staples. The ever iconic Gommino loafers—the pebbled sole footwear that made the brand a household name—is branded with the T Timeless hardware that sits seamlessly on the shoe’s bridge. Then, there’s the T Timeless crossbody bag (seen here on global brand ambassador Xiao Zhan) is affixed with the symbol as a sleek buckle that adds a refined character to the clean lines of the bag.
Tod’s skilful way of designing and crafting timeless pieces is exemplified in its latest T Vintage shoes. As the name suggests, the new sneaker references the sporty styles of the ’80s and ’90s, with topstitched detailing to highlight its more casual aesthetic. The wedge sole is designed to provide exceptional comfort and support, lined with the signature Gommino pebble rubber sole for that grip and durability. The T Vintage is available in a number of colourways true to its sporty inspiration, but a duo of sleek, all-leather variations are understated elegance at its best.
Our possessions do get beat up pretty easily especially if they’re continuously used. But the thing with Tod’s is you can rest easy knowing that for the entire lifespan of your item, the design will stand the test of time. T for Tod’s; T for timeless.
We've seen some wild luxury fashion collaborations before—Versace x Fortnite, Nike's Chunky Dunky Madness with Ben & Jerry's, Christian Cowan x Teletubbies. But how about an Italian luxury brand teaming up with the world's first commercial space station? That's right, Prada is taking its expertise beyond Earth, joining forces with Axiom Space.
Since securing a USD228million Artemis task order in 2022, Axiom Space has capitalised on its partnership with NASA, working with top experts to create the next-generation spacesuit of the Artemis III mission. “We are pioneering a new era in space exploration where partnerships are imperative to the commercialisation of space,” said Russell Ralston, executive vice president of extravehicular activity at Axiom Space.
Prada's involvement goes beyond aesthetics. Its team has contributed expertise in materials and production processes, bridging the gap between high-performance functionality and innovative design. As Lorenzo Bertelli, Prada Group's chief marketing officer said, "Going beyond our limits is one of the company's values that perfectly reflects the spirit of the Prada brand and my parents' vision. I'm very proud of the result we're showing today, which is just the first step in a long-term collaboration with Axiom Space."
The Axiom Extravehicular Mobility Unit (AxEMU) spacesuit is made to withstand extreme temperatures and to endure at least two hours in the permanently shadowed regions of the Moon. Astronauts will be able to perform spacewalks for up to eight hours, supported by multiple redundant systems and an onboard diagnostic system for added safety.
The spacesuit incorporates advanced technologies, including a regenerable carbon dioxide scrubbing system and cutting-edge cooling technology to manage heat. It also features custom-made gloves with significant advancements over current designs, alongside a helmet and visor with specialised coatings to enhance the astronauts' view.
The AxEMU spacesuit recently passed a simulation with NASA, SpaceX, and Axiom Space—marking the first test of its kind since the Apollo era. It’s now entering the final development stages, with further underwater tests and integrated trials with the Artemis Lunar Terrain Vehicle prototypes. Critical design review is set for 2025 before the suit is deemed ready for its mission to the moon.
With its durable design, advanced life support systems, and innovative features, the AxEMU spacesuit will play a crucial role in expanding scientific opportunities and ensuring astronaut safety during NASA’s return to the lunar surface.
When Bvlgari sought to create its snake-like Serpenti design, it turned to the Tubogas technique. The origins of the Tubogas is humble—inspired by gas pipes used to transport pressurised gas in the 1920s, which were corrugated as a result of metal wrapping around them for added protection. In jewellery, the technique was practised in the late 19th century, but it wasn’t until Bvlgari that the Tubogas became popular.
The time-consuming technique involves wrapping gold strips around a core structure in order to create flexible bands without the need of soldering. There is a characteristic bounce to the Tubogas, which also gives a rather comfortable fit around the wrist, as exemplified by Bvlgari’s first Serpenti watch introduced in 1948. The house’s artisans then continued to dedicate time in perfecting the technique by exploring other materials and incorporating elements as a way of experimenting with the unique intricacies.
Since then, countless other Bvlgari creations—from jewellery to timepieces—have incorporated the Tubogas technique. But it has always been just that: a technique synonymous with Bvlgari and an example of the kind of ingenuity the house is known for. That has changed with the Bvlgari Tubogas.
For the first time in more than 70 years, the technique has now been given its own collection, showcasing the distinctive striped look and its versatility across different expressions. The Bvlgari Tubogas collection takes reference from the first aforementioned creation by the house, with an almost exclusively yellow gold foundation that is added with extra flourishes. The collection’s four bracelets, for example, range from pure yellow gold at its simplest to a duo of variations decorated tastefully with diamonds—either studded or concentrated at the two ends of a cuff-styled bracelet. A tri-gold variation follows the simplicity of the all-gold but imbued with a more contemporary flair.
The necklaces are where Bvlgari takes it up a couple of notches. A majority of the designs are choker styles with the Tubogas used to create a sort of rigid flexibility. The shape of the necklaces stays fixed and contour the neck seamlessly without feeling... well, choked.
Just like the bracelets, they range from clean yellow gold to variations with diamond pavés. Three expressions up the ante by combining the Tubogas with another of Bvlgari icons, the Parentesi. Defined by the geometric motifs inspired by Roman pavements, they are set with a central precious stone—rubellite, tanzanite or green tourmaline—and surrounded by a pavé of diamonds as well as hard stone inserts. The Tubogas itself is reworked into a triangular shape that’s not only more complex to craft but visually adds volume and sophistication to the pieces.
Familiar Serpenti styles are revisited for Bvlgari Tubogas in the form of necklaces as well as a ring and bracelet. Each feature a more classic serpent head with diamond pavés echoing the coiling of the Tubogas in a sort of sinewy dance that is rather mesmerising to look at.
The final piece in the collection is a Bvlgari Bvlgari Tubogas timepiece. It combines the best of the house in a 21mm-gold case (there could very be a much larger, male-appropriate size in the future, who knows) fixed to a completely tubular rendition of the Tubogas—a nod to its humble beginnings.
Given the 16 different designs within the Bvlgari Tubogas collection, Bvlgari isn’t playing around with this new debut. The Tubogas technique is one of the markers of the house and to finally give it the spotlight that it rightly deserves has been a long time coming.
The Bvlgari Tubogas jewellery collection is now available in boutiques and online.
No, there isn’t a new artistic director at Berluti. In fact, there hasn’t been one since Kris Van Assche left the Maison in 2021. There is, however, a new CEO in the form of Jean-Marc Mansvelt.
Mansvelt has been in the LVMH Group of brands for decades. He had spent about 10 years in Louis Vuitton before moving to become jewellery house Chaumet’s CEO in 2015, focusing on storytelling to revive what was often referred to as the “sleeping beauty” of the jewellery world. And while high jewellery is far from the world of luxury fashion, Mansvelt is likely to enact a somewhat similar approach to Berluti as its CEO.
The Maison’s latest campaign is the first of what is certain to be many new directional changes for Berluti. Lensed by Bastian Archard, whose works often capture objects and people in a quiet and intimate manner, the 17-image campaign zeroes in on the Maison’s emblematic pieces. They’re treated like objets d’art—shoes and bags positioned on pedestals, while ready-to-wear pieces envelope and take on the personalities of the models they’re put on.
There’s no distinguishing the timeless Berluti classics from pieces picked out from the latest collections. It’s a strategic and artful approach to signal this new chapter of Berluti where seasonality is seemingly obsolete. Instead, the focus is on the craft honed by its artisans. A number of the images from the campaign highlight the design intricacies and details that are easily recognisable for those already familiar with Berluti, while serving as a reminder of the hands and artistry that go behind each piece. The tone-on-tone hand-stitching of the Andy loafers, and the sliver of the contemporary on the sporty-soled Fast Track leather sneakers showcase time-honoured expertise, and are essentially a snapshot of the artisans themselves. The scuffed up and worn out soles of a pair of Alessandro lace-ups demonstrate that Berluti’s pieces are meant to be lived in and remain dependable for years to come.
Perhaps, the most drastic change is the return of the classic Berluti logo. The serif typography has been revived, given due prominence with each and every campaign image bearing the mark—even alongside the Van Assche-initiated trademark onto the sole of a pair of boots. And like the creations it’s featured against, the emblem radiates character and renewed energy, a signifier of the history and upcoming stories yet to be told with the brand.
All that is to say: Berluti is home.
Straight out of the '80s, the Ray-Ban Wings sunglasses were favoured by pilots due to the look and quality. The brand has since brought back the style in a number of iterations, with this latest one being a combination of the original and the Wings II. It maintains the squarish frame of the latter with an elongated taper that extends slightly towards the sides for more coverage. The brow bar remains a key fixture, making the style ever-enduring.
Pharrell Williams has a penchant for softness in Louis Vuitton’s bags. His Soul Trunk East West bag is a new supple take on the Maison’s trunk-making heritage; featuring reinforced corners and a duo of straps for maximum versatility of wear. The main compartment is secured with a zipper but there’s also a magnetic closure (fashioned to look like a trunk’s clasp) for quick reach into the interior while keeping the bag closed.
The sleek appearance of the second-generation EVOA Z is a Trojan horse for the top-tier functionality that the Samsonite luggage is known for. Some of the nifty design elements: a small but mighty hanging hook is integrated right below the pull handles to hang light items, zipper pullers are fixed with magnets so that they bind together to prevent theft, and the wheels glide with maximum smoothness and manoeuvrability.
The signature embroidered Pony logo of Polo Ralph Lauren makes for a subtle statement. It calls to mind the preppy aesthetic steeped in the brand’s history. Created using precisely 982 individual stitches, the logo sits front and centre on this BetterCotton twill cap. We don’t have to tell you just how indispensable a good cap is but just know that with this particular piece, the pairings are almost limitless.
Listen, we get that the Dyson Zone headphones (you know, the one with the air purifier attachment) seemed like a joke. And to be fair, perhaps Dyson knew that too. The brand’s latest audio device removes the extraneous feature and focuses solely on the audio quality and ANC. What we got: the Dyson OnTrac that's customisable wth a range of colours for its caps and cushions.
The Reverso is a revolutionary icon that stood the test of time. This latest iteration is a throwback to earlier models including a classic chemin de fer, applied hour markers and dauphine hands. Both sides of the timepiece feature a sunray dial—one lacquered in blue and the other in silver—for a classically elegant look whichever way you choose to turn to.
The Zegna Triple Stitch is a definite winner in our books. Already traipsing the line between casual and dressy, the brand takes it up a notch with an iteration that is tailored for more outdoor pursuits. The Triple Stitch Monte (Italian for “mount”) is fitted with Vibram soles for increased traction, all the while retaining the look and silhouette of the original.
For better or worse, the Dior Sauvage has quite the reputation—you either love it or don’t quite fancy it. The Dior Sauvage Eau Forte however, would easily satisfy both camps. The essence of Sauvage is still present but reimagined in an alcohol-free formula that’s light and fresh while having the intensity of a parfum. In other words, you probably won’t be assaulting anyone’s nose with this.
The distinctive Bone ring, a reincarnation of Elsa Peretti’s iconic 1970 Bone cuff design, has to be experienced first-hand to be appreciated. Its sinewy contours make for a subtle statement, but it is also sculpted to conform to one’s finger or knuckle. There is no restriction of motion despite its size and fits comfortably like second skin.
Everyone needs a throw-all duffel in their arsenal. This collaboration piece between Montblanc and football legend Zinédine Zidane runs high on the list of the perfect duffels. For starters, it’s incredibly roomy yet lightweight at the same time. The inside is thoughtfully designed with organisation compartments and loops, and of course, the exterior is as handsome as they come with Montblanc’s subtle Extreme 3.0 motif.
Photography: Jaya Khidir
Styling: Asri Jasman
Photography Assistants: Aliy Alam and Nowo Kasturi
I have been to Desaru before. I likely won't forget about my first visit there, but not for the reasons you'd imagine. A classic case of Looked Better In Pictures. Catfished by a resort, if you will. It wasn't a particularly terrible night; facilities were functional and the advertised beach diligently lived up to its reputation. Yet, the one thing I remember was failing to fall asleep when dark fell, due to how unsafe I felt with the sheer lack of guests on the property.
Fast forward a couple of years to when the pandemic was just around the corner. Early announcements of One&Only debuting an outpost on the touristy Malaysian coast were circulating. Significant, being the first Southeast Asian destination of the brand's five-star portfolio. Sadly, as the world then came to a standstill, so did further news on the latest addition.
Thus when presented the opportunity to finally to pop by for a stay while attending the signature Four Hands of its Embers Beach Club, the conclusion is obvious. Chiefly that with One&Only, what you see is what you get.
You arrive to a verdant lawn framed by parallel blocks on both sides. Tread away from the lobby and the green cascades towards the main pool, an emerald runway symmetrically flanked by daybeds as it reaches for the ocean. The visual narrative of neat lines is inherited from its esteemed architect Kerry Hill, whose work here was ultimately a swan song before his passing.
The tropical retreat is likely not the only one that's home to over 80 species of flora and fauna, but preserving the original habitation was very much a deliberate decision. You'll find trees repurposed as signposts, like one that points towards the coordinates of other One&Only resorts.
You can put yourself down for a concise, on-site nature walk (10/10 recommend) as part of the one complimentary daily activity to fully appreciate the forestry of the 1,500 square metre mini kingdom. The most grandiose of the efforts resides at the One&Only Spa.
The intentionality of the space's design is evident, a personal favourite of the entire property I might add. Past the doors of reception, you enter an uncharacteristically dark passageway, and your vision focuses entirely on the light emanating at the end. At dead centre, a majestic, over 300 year-old Banyan tree. Besides the adjacent decked out (Techno)gym and cold plunge, the picturesque patio past the historic tree are easily the Spa's highlights.
The thematic reverance for nature pervades the suites. Locally sourced stone, cane, yellow balau timber and even the planted green roofs that you can't see from within.
The central courtyard is, without doubt, the most unique feature. Dividing spacious bed chambers from equally large bathrooms, it's also the most complained about, we're told. Seems it takes some getting used to for us first-world, ensuite folk.
Yet, I can't help thinking it's this very layout that sets the resort apart from many other luxury, nature-infused getaways. More meaningfully, it takes inspiration from traditional Malaysian kampung (village) housing that's filled with the weather's elements. Which unfortunately, the outdoor furniture are also at mercy of.
Still, it's a clever combination having the petite pool at the heart and the option to slide open connecting doors, all whilst shielded away by the exterior blinds. It allows a guest experience that feels both liberating while maintaining a desired level of privacy.
Housed within the estate are Japanese restaurant Hoshi with a towering vibrant mural, and Dusky Monkey bar with its portraits of the very dusky monkey it earns its moniker from, candidly photographed sitting at the counter by the establishment's former General Manager.
Ambara serves lovely cuisine of the country complete with an open kitchen to catch the action; but if you want that schnazzy pool hang, Ember Beach Club oozes that while simultaneously carrying a more intimate tone in the evening.
It makes perfect sense that even non-staying patrons come by to spend the entire afternoon there. To make the most of it though, align your calendar with the seasonal Four Hands that Chef Andrew Walsh divulges for a taste of Cure, matched with the best of the collaboration's guest chef.
Just a two-hour drive away under ideal traffic conditions, it honestly wins out further travel for an idyllic white-sand-turquoise-sea vacation. And believe me when I say that this time, it wasn't difficult falling asleep.
Do not think of Loro Piana as “quiet luxury”. The Italian brand has been around for 100 years and remains one of the foremost producers of top-quality fabrics used by every luxury fashion house from Yves Saint Laurent to Giorgio Armani to Savile Row’s own Huntsman. Anyone with a go-to tailor would be more than familiar with Loro Piana pre-Succession, as it’s constantly name-dropped by tailors as one of their offerings as a mark of quality.
Ardent customers of Loro Piana are able to distinguish a Loro Piana piece quite easily—if not by look, by touch. The incorporation of its signature vicuña colour as trims, the hidden touches of luxurious comfort (a pocket lined with cashmere for instance), the white soles of the Summer Walk loafers, and more are all telltale signs of a Loro Piana creation.
If you are part of the camp unfamiliar with the brand’s classics, the brand is making it easier to do so. The Loro Piana Icons series is a consolidation of 12 key styles the brand has introduced over the years, each originally designed for a specific activity and then further developed into everyday classics. Collectively, the Icons embody Loro Piana’s ethos of masterfully merging functionality, comfort and versatility through the utmost attention to detail.
Consider the Icons series as a mainstay capsule collection. Pieces like the Horsey (a jacket first introduced in 1992 for the Italian Equestrian Olympic team), the formal Spagna jacket, and the impeccably lightweight and roomy Roadster jacket can each be easily worn over the Polo Open shirt or the Neopolitan-inspired André shirt. Finish with the aforementioned White Sole series—choose between the Summer Walk loafers or the Open Walk boots—or the Sergio Walk loafers, and you are pretty much set.
The Icons series is rather outerwear heavy and there is good reason for that. Not only is the brand known for its quality fabrications, it has also come up with a number of nifty design elements and technologies to enhance functionality. Designed with numerous pockets and an adaptable back and waist, the Voyager jacket is also crafted from waterproof fabric to suit the needs of anyone constantly on the move; the Traveller field jacket is similarly constructed with a waist drawstring for that added versatility. The Storm System treatment is central to the Icer jacket—a cashmere ski jacket that is waterproof and wind-resistant—while Windmate makes the Loro Piana Bomber an indispensable sailing companion as it is lightweight and teamed with the warmth of cashmere.
To complete the 12-piece offering is the Grande Unita scarf. It is the oldest design in the series as it was one of the first finished products introduced by Sergio and Pier Luigi Loro Piana in the 1980s. The cashmere scarf is undoubtedly soft to the touch and is the embodiment of timeless elegance, functionality and comfort.
There is no telling if the Loro Piana Icons series is set to grow in the future, including more of its designs into the fold. If there is one contender that could easily find its way into being an Icon it would be the Bale bag. The leather bag was first introduced in Spring/Summer 2023 as part of the womenswear collection, inspired by cashmere bales. For the Autumn/Winter 2024 menswear collection, the Bale is reintroduced in an extra large hobo style for men while still retaining its unlined construction and bulbous shape. And of course, marked by that steely attention to detail and functionality.
So is Loro Piana “quiet luxury”? At least, only to those not in the know.
Returning for its 17th edition this year, Maison Guerlain's perennial partnership with Art Basel Paris is set to present Good Morning Korea, In the Land of the Morning Calm. The exhibition will spotlight South Korean artists from all walks of life, including the late Nam June Paik, Lee Bul, and Anicka Yi, among others.
Besides pushing boundaries in fragrances and beauty, Guerlain remains dedicated to the principles of heritage and innovation. Guerlain is also committed in providing a platform for artists to showcase their creativity, believing that art has the unique ability to evoke and share memories—be it personal or collective. It's no surprise then that South Korea was chosen as a focus this time around. South Korea's impact as the creative muse of the Western world embodies this philosophy, with its wealth of artistic ideas providing a look into the perspectives of a growing arts and culture nation.
Good Morning Korea, In the Land of the Morning Calm is curated by Hervé Mikaeloff, the exhibition invites visitors to explore memory through a multi-sensory experience in the form of an olfactory journey that links several works, subtly connecting visual and scent-based memories.
The works featured in the exhibition highlight the profound connections South Korean artists have with nature, technology, and the challenges of contemporary society, guiding us through the timeline of South Korea's cultural evolution and its rich, diverse heritage.
An icon in performance and technology-based art, the late Nam June Paik was the first artist to display abstract forms on television by using magnets to distort images. He also famously pioneered the use of portable video cameras—what we now refer to as "digicams". He firmly believed that technology will reinvent the way we create and share art, foreseeing a future of camcorders, live-streaming, and social media. Nam skilfully merged Eastern and Western influences, transforming our inward gaze into an endless technological quest.
Lee is known for her bold, genre-crossing works that explore themes of beauty, corruption, and decay. A pioneer in South Korea's art scene, she continues to inspire younger artists with her early iconoclastic performances and multi-sensory installations, pushing the boundaries of visual art. Her work has been featured in solo exhibitions at major museums worldwide, including the Hayward Gallery in London, Berlin's Martin Gropius-Bau, and Paris' Palais de Tokyo, just to name a few.
Good Morning Korea, In the Land of the Morning Calm will feature Lee's work that delves into ideas of perfection and the distorted realities of modern identity, blending feminine forms with robotic elements to create cyborgs.
Anicka Yi explores the hidden politics and associations of smell by creating unique fragrances, and incorporating scent into sculptures. She constantly pushes the boundaries of science, technology and art, aiming to create new, unsettling and futuristic experiences that challenge traditional notions of her artwork. Her work has been showcased at prominent venues the likes of the Tate Modern in London, and even in Singapore's Art Science Museum.
Yi uses algorithms to create holographic paintings, blending patterns from past work (her "visual DNA") with motifs that draw from both the organic and the technological, raising questions about how art can evolve in the digital age.
Beginning her career as a novelist, Omyo Cho has evolved to create artworks that reflect her literary roots—from sculptures, to installations and VR videos that exist as nonlinear phenomena on a different level. Cho's works have been showcased in numerous group exhibitions including the Surim Art Center, Ulsan Contemporary Art Festival, and Osan Museum of Art. Cho's piece for the exhibition, "Barrel Eyes", invites the audience to envision a future where memories take on concrete forms in real time, redefining our understanding of time and memory.
The Good Morning Korea, In the Land of the Morning Calm exhibition will run from 16 October to 12 November 200 at Maison Guerlain, 68 avenue des Champs-Elysées, 75008 Paris.